The 53rd San Francisco International Film Festival presents the best in world cinema April 22-May 6, and this year's Festival lineup includes several films from Asia. Below is a selection, and find more information on all Asian films at http://fest10.sffs.org.
 
A Brand New Life
Director: Ounie Lecomte, South Korea/France [2009]
Drawing on her childhood memories, director Lecomte creates an intimate portrait of an emotionally bereft nine-year-old and her irrepressible cohort at a South Korean Catholic orphanage, featuring an unforgettable performance by the film’s young lead.
http://fest10.sffs.org/films/film_details.php?id=8
 
Moscow
Director: Wang Cheol- mean, South Korea [2009]
Boasting remarkable performances from its two leads, this South Korean drama follows two childhood friends who reunite as young women, only to discover that economic anxiety can rupture bonds that once were innocent and pure.
http://fest10.sffs.org/films/film_details.php?id=55
 
Woman on Fire Looks for Water
Director: Woo Ming- Jin, Malaysia/ South Korea [2009]
From one of Malaysia’s most exciting filmmakers comes a tender, utterly gorgeous meditation on yearning and regret set amid a small fishing village, where a father attempts to rekindle an old romance as his son discovers his first love.
For more information and screening times:
http://fest10.sffs.org/films/film_details.php?id=104
 
Bodyguards and Assassins
Director: Teddy Chen, Hong Kong/ China [2009]
Centering around an assassination attempt on Chinese revolutionary hero Sun Yat-sen in 1906 Hong Kong, this star-studded epic is a rousing, electrifying mix of history, revolution and martial arts. The first half is an intricate political thriller and the second half is just plain thrilling.
For more information and screening times:
http://fest10.sffs.org/films/film_details.php?id=7